Shoe lace clip for securing shoe laces without tying and method therefor

ABSTRACT

A clip device for securing a shoe lace has a base. A bottom plate is coupled to the base. The bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end thereof. A top plate is coupled to the bottom plate. The top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth. A pivot assembly is provided to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate. A spring mechanism is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate. The spring mechanism forces the top plate downwards towards the bottom plate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to shoe laces and, more specifically, to a shoe lace clip that securely attaches to the two top front edges of each shoe/sneaker for securely tightening the laces, straps or other fastening devices of a shoe/sneaker without the user having to tie the laces.

BACKGROUND

Typically, laced footwear is worn with cotton/nylon type shoe laces tied in a bow knot to hold the laced footwear to a user's feet. Unfortunately, current laced footwear may suffer from several issues. For example, shoe laces that are tied in a bow knot typically allow for the extra end of the lace and/or the loops to get caught on objects or stepped on, thereby creating a tripping hazard to the wearer. If the extra end of the lace and/or the loops do get caught on objects or stepped on, the laces generally become undone thereby allowing the shoes to become lose. The undone laces further present an even greater tripping hazard to the wearer.

Another issue with current laced footwear is that many challenged children and or adults may find it difficult to learn how to tie a typical knot and may be forced to wear other types of footwear. Individuals with arthritis or other muscular issues may not have the dexterity to tie bow knots on the laces of the laced footwear.

Another problem with current laced footwear is that loosening of the knot while walking or engaging in other types of activity inevitably occurs. Thus, over time, the laced footwear generally does not maintain the fit as snugly as desired. In some situations, the knot becomes completely undone, leaving the lace ends to flap about, possibly causing a misstep, stumble or fall.

Because of the issues with current laced footwear, some footwear have been designed using straps having hook and loop to secure the footwear to the wearer's feet. Others footwear is designed to slip on the wearer's feet. Unfortunately, attachment mechanisms, such as Velcro or slip on footwear, do not provide a sufficiently tight connection between the foot and the shoe. Accordingly, the wearer's foot generally moves around in the shoe. The movement of the foot within the shoe may distract the wearer of the shoe or adversely affect the performance of the shoes.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and method that overcomes the above.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A clip device for securing a shoe lace has a base. A bottom plate is coupled to the base. The bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end thereof. A top plate is coupled to the bottom plate. The top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth. A pivot assembly is provided to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate. A spring mechanism is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate. The spring mechanism forces the top plate downwards towards the bottom plate.

A clip device for securing a shoe lace has a base. A bottom plate is coupled to the base, wherein the bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end. A top plate is coupled to the bottom plate, wherein the top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth located on one end. The bottom teeth and the top teeth secure the shoelace there between. A spring mechanism is positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate. A pivot assembly is provided to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate, wherein the spring mechanism applies pressure to the top plate, the pivot assembly allowing the top plate to move downward towards the bottom plate.

The features, functions, and advantages may be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The novel features believed to be characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. In the descriptions that follow, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and certain figures can be shown in exaggerated or generalized form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The application itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shoe having the shoe lace clip of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the shoe lace clip of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the shoe lace clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a magnified view of the shoe lace clip with a base plate removed and a spring mechanism removed and below the shoe lace clip;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a bottom plate of the shoe lace clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a magnified view of the teeth used in the shoe lace clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7A is a top view of one embodiment of the base plate used in the shoe lace clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7B is a top view of another embodiment of the base plate used in the shoe lace clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the bottom plates of the shoe lace clip of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of the shoe lace clip of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the shoe lace clip of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a magnified side view of the top plate of the shoe lace clip of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a magnified side view of the bottom plate of the shoe lace clip of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13A is a top view of one embodiment of the base plate used in the shoe lace clip of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13B is a top view of another embodiment of the base plate used in the shoe lace clip of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 14 is a picture of a shoe having a pocket for use with the shoe lace clip of the present invention

FIG. 15 is a picture of a shoe having a pocket with access along the side of the shoe for use with the shoe lace clip for securing the extra lace ends inside the pocket; and

FIG. 16 is a picture of a shoe having a pocket built inside the tongue of the shoe for use with the shoe lace clip for securing the extra lace ends inside the pocket.

DESCRIPTION OF THE APPLICATION

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the application and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present application can be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the application in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences can be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of this application.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-7, one embodiment of a shoe lace clip 10 (hereinafter clip 10) will be disclosed. The clip 10 may be installed on a shoe 14. The clip 10 securely attaches to the two top front edges of each shoe/sneaker 14 (hereinafter shoe 14) for securely tightening the shoe laces 22, straps or other fastening devices of the shoe 14 without the need for one to tie the shoe laces 22.

The clip 10 may have a base 12. The base 12 may come in different shapes and or sizes. In the current embodiment, the base 12 may be sized to fit on each side of a top area of the shoe 14. The Figures show that the base 12 may be oval in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

The base 12 may be used to secure the clip 10 to the shoe 14. The base 12 may be secured to the shoe 14 in different manners. The base 12, and hence the device 10, may be affixed to the shoe 14 via a metal/plastic grommet or similar means or by sewing the base 12 directly into the shoe 14 material thus allowing the device 10 to become part of the shoe. The above are given as examples and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The base 12 may be secured to the shoe 14 in other manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, an opening 16 may be formed in the base 12. In accordance with one embodiment, openings 16A may be formed on the base 12. The openings 16A may be formed completely through the base 12 on opposing sides of the base 12. The openings 16A may be used for securing a grommet to the base 12 for securing the base to the shoe 14. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7A, the openings 16B may be crescent shape. The crescent shape openings 16B may be used as sewing guide holes for securing the base 12 to the shoe 14.

A clamping device 13 may be secured to the base 12. The clamping device 13 may be used for securely tightening the shoe laces 22 of the shoe 14 without the need for one to tie the shoe laces 22. The clamping device 13 may have a bottom plate 18 coupled to the base 12. The bottom plate 18 may be secured to a central area of the base 12. In general, the base 12 is larger than the bottom plate 18 to allow the openings 16 to be used to secure the device 10 to the shoe 14. The bottom plate 18 may have a plurality of teeth 20 formed on a top surface 18A of the bottom plate 18. In accordance with one embodiment, the teeth 20 are formed at an angle. The teeth 20 may be positioned at an angle in the direction the shoe lace 22 will be pulled through the device 10 (FIG. 5). By angling the teeth 20, additional tension is applied to the shoe lace 22 when inserted and pulled through the teeth 20.

A top plate 24 may be pivotably coupled to the bottom plate 18. The top plate 24 may be similar in size and shape to the bottom plate 18. The top plate 24 may have a plurality of teeth 26 formed on a bottom surface 24A of the top plate 18. In accordance with one embodiment, the teeth 26 are formed at an angle. The teeth 26 may be positioned at an angle in the direction the shoe lace 22 will be pulled through the device 10. By angling the teeth 26, additional tension is applied to the shoe lace 22 when inserted and pulled through the teeth 20.

The teeth 20 and 26 may have a slightly rounded top. The rounded top of the teeth 20 and 26 may help to prevent the teeth 20 and 26 from cutting into and hence damaging the shoe lace 22. The teeth 20 and 26 may be configured on the bottom plate 18 and top plate 24 respectively to secure the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26. The teeth 20 and 26 may further be configured to angle back slightly. The angling backwards of the teeth 20 and 26 may allow for an opening 28 to be formed between the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24. The opening 28 allows the shoe lace to be inserted in between the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24 and into the teeth 20 and 26 without getting stuck in any obstructions.

A pivot assembly 27 may be used to pivotably couple the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24. In the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 2-7, the pivot assembly 27 may be used to further secure the clamping device 13 (the bottom plate 18) to the base 12. The pivot assembly 27 may be used to provide an upward pressure on one end of the top plate 24. The upward pressure may be applied to an end of the top plate opposite of the end where the teeth 26 are located. The upward pressure causes the teeth 26 to press and interlock with the teeth 20 locking the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26.

In accordance with one embodiment, the pivot assembly 27 may comprise a pivot post assembly 30. The pivot post assembly 30 may be formed of a bottom post 30A and a top post 30B. The bottom post 30A may be formed of a tubular member 32. A head member may be coupled to the tubular member 32. The bottom post 30A may be positioned through an opening 36 formed through the base 12 to secure the clamping device 13 and thus the pivot assembly 27 to the base 12. The bottom post 30A further is positioned through an opening 38 formed through the bottom plate 18. The top post 30B may be formed of a tubular member 40 and a head member 42. The top post 30B may be positioned through an opening 44 formed through the top plate 24. The bottom post 30A and the top post 30B are configured so that the top post 30B slides into and is secured within the bottom post 30A. Alternatively, the bottom post 30A and the top post 30B are configured so that the bottom post 30A slides into and is secured within the top post 30B.

The pivot assembly 27 further comprises a spring assembly 48. The spring assembly may be comprised of a spring 50 or similar tension applying device 52. The spring 50 may be designed to apply upward pressure on the top plate 24. The upward pressure causes the teeth 26 to press and interlock with the teeth 20 locking the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26. A securing device 51 may be used to secure the spring 50 between the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24. The securing device 51 may be a male female connector or the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the securing device 51 is formed of a female connector 51A and a male connector 51B. The male connector 51B may be a cylindrical member which slides into the female connector 51A which may be an open cylinder. The male connector 50B may slide up and down over the female connector 50B and thus allow for the top and bottom plates 24 and 12 respectively to move.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-12, another embodiment of the clip 10′ is shown. The clip 10 is similar to the clip 10 disclosed above. The main difference is the pivot assembly 27. Like the clip 10, the clip 10′ may be installed on a shoe 14 (FIG. 1) at the two top front edges of the shoe 14 and is also used for securely tightening the shoe laces 22 (FIG. 1), straps or other fastening devices of the shoe 14 without the need for one to tie the shoe laces 22.

The clip 10′ may have a base 12. The base 12 may come in different shapes and or sizes. In the current embodiment, the base 12 may be sized to fit on each side of a top area of the shoe 14. The Figures show that the base 12 may be oval in shape. However, this is shown as an example and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

The base 12 may be used to secure the clip 10′ to the shoe 14. The base 12 may be secured to the shoe 14 in different manners. The base 12, and hence the device 10′, may be affixed to the shoe 14 via a metal/plastic grommet or similar means or by sewing the base 12 directly into the shoe 14 material thus allowing the device 10′ to become part of the shoe. The above are given as examples and should not be seen in a limiting manner. The base 12 may be secured to the shoe 14 in other manners without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 13A-13B, an opening 16 may be formed in the base 12. In accordance with one embodiment, openings 16A may be formed on the base 12. The openings 16A may be formed completely through the base 12 on opposing sides of the base 12. The openings 16A may be used for securing a grommet to the base 12 for securing the base to the shoe 14. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13B, the openings 16B may be crescent shape. The crescent shape openings 16B may be used as sewing guide holes for securing the base 12 to the shoe 14.

A clamping device 13 may be secured to the base 12. The clamping device 13 may be used to securely tightening the shoe laces 22 of the shoe 14 without the need for one to tie the shoe laces 22. The clamping device 13 may have a bottom plate 18 coupled to the base 12. In the present embodiment, the bottom plate 18 may be integral and extend from the base 12. For example, the bottom plate 18 and the base 12 may be formed as a single unit from an injection mold. Alternatively, if the bottom plate 18 and the base 12, the bottom plate 18 may be molded to the base 12. The above are given as examples and should not be seen in a limiting manner.

The bottom plate 18 may be secured to a central area of the base 12. In general, the base 12 is larger than the bottom plate 18 to allow the openings 16 to be used to secure the device 10 to the shoe 14. The bottom plate 18 may have a plurality of teeth 20 formed on a top surface 18A of the bottom plate 18. In accordance with one embodiment, the teeth 20 are formed at an angle. The teeth 20 may be positioned at an angle in the direction the shoe lace 22 will be pulled through the device 10 (as previously shown in FIG. 5). By angling the teeth 20, additional tension is applied to the shoe lace 22 when inserted and pulled through the teeth 20.

A top plate 24 may be pivotably coupled to the bottom plate 18. The top plate 24 may be similar in size and shape to the bottom plate 18. The top plate 24 may have a plurality of teeth 26 formed on a bottom surface 24A of the top plate 18. In accordance with one embodiment, the teeth 26 are formed at an angle. The teeth 26 may be positioned at an angle in the direction the shoe lace 22 will be pulled through the device 10. By angling the teeth 26, additional tension is applied to the shoe lace 22 when inserted and pulled through the teeth 20.

The teeth 20 and 26 may have a slightly rounded top. The rounded top of the teeth 20 and 26 may help to prevent the teeth 20 and 26 from cutting into and hence damaging the shoe lace 22. The teeth 20 and 26 may be configured on the bottom plate 18 and top plate 24 respectively to secure the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26. The teeth 20 and 26 may further be configured to angle back slightly. The angling backwards of the teeth 20 and 26 may allow for an opening 28 to be formed between the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24. The opening 28 allows the shoe lace to be inserted in between the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24 and into the teeth 20 and 26 without getting stuck in any obstructions.

A pivot assembly 27 may be used to pivotably couple the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24 and may be used to provide an upward pressure on one end of the top plate 24. The upward pressure may be applied to an end of the top plate opposite of the end where the teeth 26 are located. The upward pressure causes the teeth 26 to press and interlock with the teeth 20 locking the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26.

In accordance with the embodiment, the pivot assembly 27 may comprise a pivot ball assembly 60. The pivot ball assembly 60 may be formed of a post 62 extending down from the bottom surface 24A of the top plate 24. A ball 64 may be formed on the distal end of the post 62. A socket 66 may be formed on the bottom plate 18. The socket 66 may be used to receive the ball 64.

The pivot assembly 27 further comprises a spring assembly 48. The spring assembly may be comprised of a spring 50 or similar tension applying device 52. The spring 50 may be designed to apply upward pressure on the top plate 24. The upward pressure causes the teeth 26 to press and interlock with the teeth 20 locking the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26. A securing device 51 may be used to secure the spring 50 between the bottom plate 18 and the top plate 24. The securing device 51 may be a male female connector or the like. In the present embodiment, the securing device 51 is formed of a female connector 51A and a male connector 51B. The male connector 51B may be a cylindrical member which slides into the female connector 51A which may be an open cylinder. The male connector 51B may slide up and down over the female connector 51B and thus allow for the top and bottom plates 24 and 12 respectively to move about the ball 64.

The shoe 14 may be designed to have one or more pouches 70. As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the pouch 70 may be built into the shoe 14. In accordance with one embodiment, the pouch 70 may be sewn in between an outer fabric of the shoe 14 and an interior cushion of the shoe on both a left and right side of the shoe as well as a built-in pocket located inside the tongue of the shoe 14. Thus, once the shoe laces 22 are pulled through the clip 10/10′, the shoe laces 22 may be placed in the pouch 70.

Referring now to all of the Figures, in operation, a user may pull the shoe laces 22 of the shoe 14 to a desired tightness or comfort fit until the shoe laces 22 are pulled tight at the top of the shoe 14. In general, the shoe laces 14 may extend outwardly from the last hole in the top of the shoe 14 on each side of the shoe 14. The shoe laces 14 may or may not be crossed over to be pulled through the opposite side of the clip 10/10′ from the hole the shoe lace 22 exited from to add additional tightness to the top of the shoe 14.

Each end of the shoe lace 22 may then be pulled through a respective clip 10/10′. The clips 10/10′ may be designed to guide the shoe lace 22 into the teeth 20/26 while also being able to pull the shoe laces 22 tight as the user guides the shoe lace 22 into the clip 10/10′. The user may pull the shoe lace 22 on both the left side and the right side of the shoe 14 to the same desired tightness as to create a comfort fit with the one or more laces between the clips 10/10′. The angled sides of the teeth 20/26 guide the shoe lace 22 into the teeth area where the top and bottom row of teeth 20/26 will grab the shoe lace 22.

The pivot assembly 27 which has a spring assembly 48 will apply upward pressure on the top plate 24. The upward pressure causes the teeth 26 to press and interlock with the teeth 20 locking the shoe lace 22 between the teeth 20 and 26. The angle of the teeth 20/26 in the direction of the pulled shoe lace 22 allows for the teeth 20/26 to firmly grip the shoe lace 22 and reduce the chance of the shoe lace 33 from slipping out of the teeth 20/26 or becoming loose. The shoe lace 33 can be easily pulled from the rear of the clip 10/10′ in a horizontal direction and the shoe lace 22 may remove itself from the clip 10/10′ without much force.

While embodiments of the disclosure have been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the disclosure may be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clip device for securing a shoe lace comprising: a base; a bottom plate coupled to the base, wherein the bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end; a top plate coupled to the bottom plate, wherein the top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth; a pivot assembly to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate; and a spring mechanism positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate, the spring mechanism forcing the top plate downwards towards the bottom plate.
 2. The clip device of claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly comprises: a first post assembly coupled to the base and bottom plate; and a second post assembly coupled to the top plate, wherein the second post assembly slides into the first post assembly.
 3. The clip device of claim 2, wherein the first post assembly comprises: a first post head member; and. a first post tubular member.
 4. The clip device of claim 2, wherein the second post assembly comprises: a second post head member; and. a second post tubular member.
 5. The clip device of claim 1, wherein the pivot assembly comprises: a pivot ball assembly formed on the top plate; and a socket formed on the bottom plate.
 6. The clip device of claim 5, wherein the pivot ball assembly comprises: a post member extending down from the top plate; and a ball member coupled to a distal end of the post member.
 7. The clip device of claim 1, wherein the spring mechanism comprises: a tension member; and a locking assembly for securing the tension member between the bottom plate and the top plate.
 8. The clip device of claim 7, wherein the tension member is a spring.
 9. The clip device of claim 7, wherein the locking assembly is a male and female connector.
 10. A clip device for securing a shoe lace comprising: a base; a bottom plate coupled to the base, wherein the bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end; a top plate coupled to the bottom plate, wherein the top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth located on one end, the bottom teeth and the top teeth securing the shoelace there between; a spring mechanism positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate; and a pivot assembly to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate, wherein the spring mechanism applies pressure to the top plate, the pivot assembly allowing the top plate to move downward towards the bottom plate.
 11. The clip device of claim 10, wherein the pivot assembly comprises: a first post assembly coupled to the base and bottom plate; and a second post assembly coupled to the top plate, wherein the second post assembly slides into the first post assembly.
 12. The clip device of claim 11, wherein the first post assembly comprises: a first post head member; and. a first post tubular member.
 13. The clip device of claim 11, wherein the second post assembly comprises: a second post head member; and. a second post tubular member.
 14. The clip device of claim 10, wherein the pivot assembly comprises: a pivot ball assembly formed on the top plate; and a socket formed on the bottom plate.
 15. The clip device of claim 14, wherein the pivot ball assembly comprises: a post member extending down from the top plate; and a ball member coupled to a distal end of the post member.
 16. The clip device of claim 10, wherein the spring mechanism comprises: a tension member; and a locking assembly for securing the tension member between the bottom plate and the top plate.
 17. The clip device of claim 16, wherein the locking assembly is a male and female connector.
 18. A device for securing a shoe lace comprising: a bottom plate, wherein the bottom plate has a plurality of bottom plate teeth located on one end; a top plate coupled to the bottom plate, wherein the top plate has a plurality of top plate teeth; a pivot assembly to pivotably couple the bottom plate and the top plate; a spring mechanism positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate, the spring mechanism forcing the top plate downwards towards the bottom plate; and a pocket formed in a shoe for storing ends of the shoe lace.
 19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a base coupled to the bottom plate
 20. The clip device of claim 18, wherein the pocket is formed in one of a tongue of the shoe or sides of the shoe. 